An estimated 70 million women worldwide suffer from the painful gynecological disease endometriosis. While many women with endometriosis have no symptoms, it can cause inflammation, pain, scar tissue development and infertility.

You have no idea how much your incredible knowledge and skills about endometriosis changed my life! I literally owe my life to you and I cannot possibly express my gratitude enough. You have been like a guardian angel to me.” – Patient Testimonial

Dr. Ceana Nezhat’s groundbreaking work in the field of laparoscopy offers women suffering from endometriosis drastically improved treatment options. His personal mission is to spread awareness of the disease globally. Below are some facts he believes every woman should know regarding endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue lining the inside of the uterus, is found outside it. This endometrial tissue still reacts to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, just as the tissue inside the uterus does, resulting in internal bleeding. Common sites of endometriosis are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the ligaments that support the uterus, the internal area between the rectum and the vagina, and the lining of the pelvic cavity.

endoendo-locations

Bowel endometriosis (1) (2) (3)

Diaphragmatic endometriosis (1) (2) (3)

Ureteral endometriosis (1)

Bladder endometriosis (1)

Who is Affected by Endometriosis?

Primarily affecting women in their reproductive years, most women diagnosed with endometriosis are between the ages of 25 and 35. Endometriosis is more common in Caucasian women than African Americans or Asians.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Common symptoms include pain in the pelvis, lower stomach, rectum, vagina or lower back; heavy periods, spotting between menstrual cycles, bleeding after intercourse, blood in the urine or stool, or other abnormal bleeding; and diarrhea and/or constipation.

Diagnosis

The only definitive diagnosis is made during surgery. The advised procedure for diagnosing and treating endometriosis is laparoscopy. It is a minimally invasive procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia. Patients are normally discharged within 24 hours of surgery.

Endometriosis Treatment

While there is no cure for endometriosis, medications and/or hormonal therapies may be recommended to control the pain or prevent further endometrial implants from developing. Surgery can also be an option for women with severe pain, infertility or impaired function of the bladder, uterus or intestines. Exactly which treatment option is recommended will depend on the patient’s age, the severity of symptoms and the patient’s intentions for pregnancy. Some treatment options include:

Excision of endometriosis

Vaporization of endometriosis

Medical treatment of endometriosis

Presacral Neurectomy

Deep infiltrative endometriosis treatment

Endometriosis resection

Endometrioma removal

Robotic treatment of endometriosis (Article 1)

To learn more about endometriosis, or to find out if you are a candidate for the treatment of this condition, contact a representative at Nezhat Medical Center in Atlanta and request an in-office consultation with Dr. Ceana Nezhat.